Health
JUST IN: FG confirms first anthrax case in Niger
The Federal Government, on Monday, confirmed the first case of anthrax in Nigeria, stating that the disease was detected in a farm in Niger State.
The Federal Government had earlier alerted the general public to the outbreak of anthrax disease in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region and advised Nigerians to desist from the consumption of hides, otherwise known as ponmo, at the moment.
The FG had specifically stated that the disease was widespread in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, as it also promised to keep the Nigerians updated on developments about the disease.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that it was “deeply concerned to announce the confirmation of an anthrax case in Niger State, Nigeria.”
It added, “On July 14, 2023, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria was notified of animals manifesting symptoms of a suspected case of anthrax in a farm in Suleja, Niger State.
“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes, and ears.”
The FMARD stated that a rapid response team comprising of federal and states’ One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.
“Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years and after the report of an outbreak of anthrax in Northern Ghana a few weeks ago. All animals affected have died,” the ministry stated.
Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium – Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
It can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool or hides.
Inhalation of anthrax may occur through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax can result from contact with contaminated materials or through open wounds.
The statement, however, stated that the Federal Government, through the FMARD, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, had taken proactive measures to ensure the outbreak was controlled and contained quickly in Nigeria.
“This includes quarantine of the affected farm, deployment of anthrax spore vaccines to the affected and adjoining farms to vaccinate in-contact animals, and educating the farm workers of the affected farms on symptoms, preventive measures, and what to do when they encounter suspected cases.
“Plans are also underway to conduct nationwide vaccination of cattle, sheep, and goats against anthrax. Surveillance of anthrax will be heightened in livestock farms, markets and abattoirs. Public awareness campaigns on anthrax will be intensified,” the FMARD stated.
The ministry encouraged all livestock owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious illness or deaths in their animals, to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products.
It urged livestock owners to exercise caution when buying animals such as cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad and Niger, as well as from Ghana and Togo via waterways.
Health
Pharmacists body urges FG to establish presidential committee for sector
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) urges the Federal Government to establish a presidential committee dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, and strengthening existing laws against fake drugs.
ACPN made the call while reacting to the government’s recent ban on imported drugs, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and conserving foreign exchange.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the association said the updated prohibition schedule covering drugs under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 signals renewed commitment to protecting domestic industry players.
The ACPN specifically highlighted the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin and folic acid, as well as topical preparations like penicillin and gentamycin ointments.
It described the development as a “step in the right direction” that would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
It attributed this gap partly to continued dependence on imports, especially from China and India, which it said accounts for about 65 per cent of drug supply in the country.
It also urged reforms in pharmaceutical education and training to expand the pool of skilled professionals across industry, clinical, hospital and community practice.
Health
2026 World Malaria Day: WHO lists 5 steps to eliminate malaria by 2030
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed five priority steps that could be taken by malaria-endemic countries especially in Africa to achieve the 2030 global target of eliminating malaria.
WHO emphasises the need for global malaria eradication marking the 2026 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”.
It highlights the potential to eliminate malaria in our lifetime, supported by new vaccines and next-generation nets, while urging immediate, accelerated action to address rising threats.
First, WHO said that countries must lead the malaria response with strong national ownership. It noted that when governments prioritize malaria as a dividend of national development and mobilize domestic resources, they lay the foundation for sustainable impact.
Second, it suggested a strategic intelligence action. It noted that robust surveillance systems, improved use of evidence and data analytics allow countries to anticipate threats, deploy interventions more effectively and ensure that resources are used where they can achieve the greatest impact.
Third, it highlighted that innovation must be accelerated and scaled equitably.
WHO said the introduction of malaria vaccines, new vector control tools, and improved treatment strategies represents a major step forward.
At the same time, strengthening Africa’s research capacity and regional manufacturing can help ensure that innovation benefits those who need it most.
Fourth, it insisted that Primary Health Care (PHC) centres must remain at the center of the malaria response. And that people-centered health services delivered through strong community platforms enable early diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained prevention.
And fifth, WHO noted that ending malaria requires a whole-of-society effort. Environmental, social and economic factors shape malaria transmission.
Health
Cross River identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
The Cross River State government that contact tracing carried out by health officials have dentified and isolated 10 persons who interacted with the Chinese national who reimported COVID-19 into Nigeria.
The State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, said that her team visited the Chinese national’s work place in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
“They were identified during contact tracing carried out by health officials. We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons, she said.”
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
She cautioned people to habitually sanitise their hands, use nose masks, and adhere to other prescriptions by experts.
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